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Leica's new instant camera appears to be a Sofort hit

I've been taken to task by readers over my rather tongue-in-cheek assessment of the Leica SOFORT, the new instant camera from Wetzlar. Several friends, including Robert Parker, a long-time Leica enthusiast, have told me they are going to buy one.

Robert, indeed, has only one worry: That he will have to take two of every street shot so he can give one to the subject. I'm also told by Leica Mayfair that there has been an extremely positive press reaction to the camera which is actually great fun to use. Apart from the fun and convenience, the key is the low (for Leica price). At £215 this camera is less than the cost of a grip and a spare battery for the M. For traditional Leica owners, this is small beer. I can see the SOFORT finding a niche in many pro camera bags.

So which colour should I get? Leica's head of marketing, Jenny Hodge, is veering towards orange. I'm thinking mint or, even, the classic black and white. What do you think? Will you buy a SOFORT in November when it hits the streets?

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